POINT PLEASANT — Looking back on the more than 12 years he’s been superintendent of Mason County Schools, Dr. Larry Parsons said improvements have been made to the system internally and externally that all can take pride in seeing done.

While the public can see the results of a $40 million construction program resulting in new and renovated buildings, numerous steps have been taken to help the children learn in a secure environment, he said.

Parsons shared thoughts about the system as he prepares to take on new duties as superintendent of Preston County Schools, a position he was offered by the state Board of Education earlier this year. He starts there on July 1, and he will be succeeded locally as superintendent by Dr. William Capehart.

“The most visible improvement to the community is the facilities work,” Parsons said. “It was rewarding that we built the trust of the voters, especially when we passed a bond for the first time in 54 years.”

A local bond issue to supplement West Virginia School Building Authority funds for new construction was approved in 2004.

Three five-year levies have been passed as well, with the latest taking effect July 1 and lasting for five years.

“It was not a single accomplishment, but a case of staff agreeing on goals and meeting those goals,” Parsons said. “I’m happy to have been a part of it all.”

Beyond buildings, Parsons said upgraded curriculum has been another plus for Mason County. He became local superintendent on Dec. 2, 1996, and at one time early on the county’s standing on achievement testing ranked 48th out of the state’s 55 counties.

Since then, Mason County has three exemplary schools, Distinguished Title I schools and staff who have been nominated for and received awards, including one state teacher of the year and numerous runners-up for the honor.

Additionally, several children have placed in national competition, “and we have shown much improvement in curriculum and extracurricular activities and the arts program,” Parsons said.

In recent years, students have seen salad bars in every school as well as hot food bars in the high schools, transportation has been expanded to allow students a ride home when pursuing after-school academic and athletic activities, and school safety has been boosted with the installation of video cameras in the buildings, security locks on entry and exit from the schools, and additional fencing on the perimeter of school property.

“Internally, there is a much improved system,” Parsons said.

In the future, Parsons advised school leaders to continue taking the system down a progressive path.

“It would appear to me the course of action we’ve taken has been positive for the students, parents and staff, and I would hope for a dedicated effort to maintain the educational facilities and programs for our children in the years to come.

“I ask that whoever is in a position of leadership to work with the stakeholders and be visionary in moving forward,” he added.

Entering his 41st year as an educator, Parsons said the Preston County appointment was “an honor and difficult to turn down.” A Jackson County native, he began his career as a general biology teacher at Ravenswood High School.

He said he and his family will continue to reside here.

“I’ll miss my associations in Mason County,” he reflected. “Someone asked me if I was moving away. I told him I’m just leaving my job in Mason County.”